Sunday, January 27, 2008

Back Home

After a wonderful getaway I am back at Spark it Up HQ. Figured I would share a few pictures of some of my Bday gifts. Click pics to embiggen.

A Canon Powershot A570 IS...More cam than I will ever need. It replaces my Canon 550. The book was a BIG surprise and will now be on the coffee table at HQ. Many of the cigars were enjoyed this week. Here are few before I add then to my humidor. The bourbon and a couple mason jars are empty....no pic needed.

Life is good! Thanks to all of you for the Happy Birthday wishes and most of all thanks to Wise Girl for making this past week one of the best ever.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

What a Holiday

I believe that all birth days are a celebration. What would the world be if that one day that you were presented to this earth as a blessing or a disturbance had not happened. Each of us has made an impact on this earth and upon others around us, both for good and for bad. What others have learned because of us may not have happened any other way.

That said, if was so nice to spend this week celebrating Carl the man and Carl the child who had a most dubious beginning. Through a lifetime of stories I know he has had an impact on many people, and in turn I have learned the impact they have had upon his life.

Carl, I saw you more relaxed and at ease this week then ever before- must be good cigars and bourbon, and of course the good cooking and company. It is my one last birthday (birthday week) wish that you continue to impact not only my life for many years to come but that you have a very positive impact on the world around you. I believe that you have much yet to share with this world.

Moving On - Who Will I Support?

Sadly, I have removed my Duncan Hunter banners from the left sidebar. In this interview, Duncan encourages me to move on and support another candidate. Before I go on, let me say Duncan represented my beliefs perfectly. He was my dream candidate. I found no faults with this great patriot, but as he said - "It is time to move on." I have replaced the Hunter banners with the only other candidates I can support - Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

I have not decided yet which one I will endorse. I am still researching and corresponding with people from Arkansas and Massachusetts. I have family and friends in Arkansas and a few friends in Massachusetts. This is not a easy choice for me. My man Duncan endorsed Huckabee. That speaks volumes to me. One of my favorite Virginia politicians, Lt Gov Bill Bolling is supporting Romney. I think Bolling is one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am 100% confident that both Mike and Mitt are of excellent character. They are both men of faith and that is important to me.

My decision will be based on several issues. the first group being my big three core beliefs. Pro Life - Pro Gun - Pro Military. Next is secure the borders and no amnesty for Illegal Immigrants. My candidate must be pro active in the war on terror. He must support tax reform and hopefully the Fair tax. He must address what I believe is the biggest threat to America, that being China. I want him to have a positive vision for America and some original ideas that will unite this country. He must be pro coal technology.

At this moment, I am leaning towards Huckabee. Wise Girl is leaning towards Romney. This is very cool because we are both researching and having some great discussions. We already know that neither of these men are Duncan Hunter. Not in character or record. We have to accept neither is perfect. We have to trust and have faith that we choose the man that represents our beliefs the closest. That is the best we can do. We hope to decide sometime this week.

Thank You Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 25, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Pro-life GOP presidential contenders Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee both took part in leading pro-life rallies in Washington and Atlanta protesting 35 years of abortion since the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision and called for legislation protecting life from the moment of conception. Republican frontrunner John McCain, however, reiterated his support for embryo destroying stem-cell research even as his Senate colleague Sam Brownback reaffirmed his endorsement of McCain at the National March for Life. "The debate about when life begins should not be a debate," Rep. Ron Paul told the tens of thousands of marchers rallied together on the Washington Mall. "Let me assure you that all life begins at conception.".............

Mike Huckabee was in Atlanta

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee also led a record crowd of more than 5,000 pro-life demonstrators at a rally in Atlanta organized by Georgia Right to Life to show his support for a new state amendment that would directly challenge the foundations of Roe v. Wade. "The Paramount Right to Human Life Amendment" or HR 536 sponsored by Rep. Martin Scott, R-Rossville would define human life as beginning at conception and state life is a right to be held above all others. "We're in the middle of 35 years of a national nightmare that needs to end soon," Huckabee said. "I've always said I got into politics because I'm pro-life." "There cannot be a geographical distinction when it comes down to something that is either right or wrong," Huckabee continued. "The logic that each of the states can come up with their own definition of how to respect human life is the logic of the Civil War. And we saw how that turned out." Huckabee emphasized that abortion "is not a political issue, it is a moral issue" and called for a similar amendment protecting life to the US constitution. The candidate did not mention his own run for the GOP nomination, which is struggling from lack of funds. Huckabee has received the endorsement of Georgia Right to Life.

Why Duncan Hunter Endorsed Huckabee - In his own words

Everyone is asking so here is the man telling it like it is.

Duncan comes through loud and clear, like it or not. Train that Huckabee to be a conservative! None of them are perfect and it is time to move on. Write in Duncan Hunter? No...The appointment of judges is just to important so I cant do that. I will be making my endorsement soon.

JOHN VAN HOY JOINS JIM GILMORE FOR SENATE TEAM

The support just keeps growing! As the truth comes out about Mark Warner and his unneeded tax increases, people are supporting Jim Gilmore. The support of John Van Hoy is great news. Look for more business people to follow soon.

Fredericksburg Businessman To Serve As Stafford County Campaign Chairman

Alexandria - Fredericksburg Businessman John Van Hoy has joined the Jim Gilmore for Senate Campaign and will serve as the Jim Gilmore Senate Campaign Chairman for Stafford County. "John's business savvy and well regarded values and community activism are key elements that will help our campaign on the road to victory in November," said Gilmore in announcing Van Hoy's addition to the Gilmore team. A long time member of the Republican State Central Committee and former Chairman of the Stafford County GOP, Van Hoy, a local businessman and geologist, has served on a variety of community boards at the state and local level, as well as business and trade association boards. "It is my opinion we should start with what our working families and businesses can afford, rather than what the leadership thinks government needs and how to pay for it. This way of putting the leadership and governments wants before those of the people is the way of Democrats like Mark Warner, who put themselves first." "I am proud supporter of Governor Jim Gilmore's candidacy for the United States Senate. As a U.S. Senator for Virginia, Jim Gilmore will carry forth his proven determination of reducing the size of government and the goal of keeping as much of working families' hard earned money in their hands. We are taxed too heavily everywhere we turn and Jim Gilmore knows that. We know that whether we had a surplus or were in a recession, Mark Warner raised our taxes and if elected Senator will do so again."

Last Nights GOP Debate

This was best one yet for Mitt Romney. I also thought Mike Huckabee did well. He nailed Mitt on supporting the Brady bill and it was fun to see Mitt squirm. Mitt hit a home run with his General Hillary Clinton line! These two gentleman were the winners tonight. They both made it clear they balanced the budget all four years of their terms. The Huck made the point that he went into office facing a $200 million dollar deficit and left with a $850 million dollar surplus. I saw a poll showing The Huck and Rudy tied at 15% in Florida. After tonight it would not surprise me if the Huck beats Rudy.

John McCain got caught and looked a little silly as he denied a quote he made about how weak he was on economics. I have to say after listening to him talk about the economy...He is weak. McCain did have his moments on the military and his slam on Rumsfield. He made it clear that the new strategy was dang near his idea.

Rudy...I figured he would be fired up for this debate. I was wrong. He said nothing inspiring. We could be witnessing the end of the Rudy campaign. Rudy needed to do much better tonight. He did score well in his remarks about Sen Clinton and polls. He needed more of that.

Ron Paul....Well he was Ron Paul. I like a lot of what he says about taxes and some domestic issues, but he looses me on foreign policy and the military.

GOP Chairman of Waynesboro Endorses Jim Gilmore

Jim Gilmore is gaining support daily. Chris Darden, the GOP Chairman of Waynesboro has joined the Jim Gilmore team.

"He [Gilmore, as Governor] returned millions in revenue back to the localities, he lowered tuition rates for students, supported and passed the ban on partial birth abortion, and led our state during the attacks on September 11th. He has also helped lead the way on counter-terrorism during the War on Terror," emphasized Chairman Darden in his endorsement announcement. "These contributions are invaluable to our towns, our State and our Nation."

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee

California Rep. Duncan Hunter, a former presidential candidate, announced Wednesday he is endorsing Mike Huckabee’s White House bid.

“I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail,” Huckabee said in a statement. “Of the remaining candidates I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China’s emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America’s industrial base.

“Along with these issues of national security, border enforcement and protecting the U.S. industrial base, I see another quality of Mike Huckabee’s candidacy that compels my endorsement,” he added. “Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well.”

Heads are exploding. I say just who did you think Hunter would endorse? John McAmnesty McCain? Rudy Pro Choice? Mitt Dealing with China Romney? The Huck writes this on his blog

A quick note from the road. I'm honored to have the support of Duncan Hunter. Over the past year on the campaign trail, I have come to admire him on a personal and professional level. We share many of the same positions on the military and immigration, and I look forward to having his support as our campaign continues to surge ahead to Super Tuesday.

"I pledge to oppose amnesty or any other special path to citizenship for the millions of foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States. As President, I will fully implement enforcement measures that, over time, will lead to the attrition of our illegal immigrant population. I also pledge to make security of our borders a top priority of my administration."

2. They will not get any legal status while here that allows them to remain long-term.

3. Once in their home countries, they may apply for re-admittance to the U.S. as immigrants, visitors or temporary workers through normal channels.

4. Once in their home countries, they will not receive any special privileges on the basis of their having been in the U.S. illegally, such as being put to the front of a visa line.

5. There will be no new categories or programs through which they may re-enter the U.S.

6. There will not be an expansion of green cards in any existing categories that will speed up their movement to the front of the line.

Well that is a start. I agree with his Secure America Plan 100%. I will be looking at the Huck more closely in the future. I do know this, he kicked ass in the debates. He has a likable personality and he did make accomplishments as Governor. He is pro life. He supports my rights to bear arms. Mitt and Rudy don't. He is by no means perfect, but his views on my core beliefs are closer than Rudy or Mitt.

Rep. Virgil Goode - A Gun Owners Friend

Rep. Virgil Goode To The Bush White House: Withdraw Your Brief

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) has sent the following letter to the White House asking them to undo the huge harm they have caused the Second Amendment with the brief they filed in the DC gun ban case.

January 22, 2008

President George W. Bush The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

Your Solicitor General has just filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the D.C. v. Heller case arguing that categorical gun bans of virtually all self-defense firearms are constitutional if a court determines they are "reasonable" -- the lowest standard of constitutional review.

If this view prevails, a national ban on all firearms -- including hunting rifles -- could be constitutional, even if the court decides -- on ample historical evidence -- that the Founders intended the Second Amendment as an individual right.

I would ask that you direct the Justice Department to withdraw this unfortunate brief and to replace it with an opinion which reflects the right of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Virgil Goode

Rep. Goode is following up his action by circulating the letter among his colleagues. He is asking other members of Congress to add their signatures in anticipation of sending President Bush another copy of the letter.

Your help is needed immediately to convince your Representative to join with Rep. Goode.

Please go to the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center to send a pre-written message urging your Rep. to be a part of this important initiative. If you prefer to contact your Reprsentative in another fashion, here is the text we are using:

Dear Representative:

Please join with Rep. Virgil Good in signing a letter to the White House urging the President to withdraw the Solicitor General's very ill-advised brief in the D.C. gun ban case, D.C. v. Heller.

Gun Owners of America will be keeping me posted about the members of the House who have joined with Representative Goode.

Because We Care

We hate to disappoint our readers with an empty screen while we are off frolicking with nature so with that in mind please enjoy the following:

Fred Thompson Out-Helps McCain

With Fred out, many are wondering who will benefit. The WAPO touches on this here.

... The Post's last national poll suggests that McCain may gain a very slight boost from Thompson's departure. If Thompson is eliminated and his supporters' second choices are re-allocated, that poll showed McCain leading the Republican field with 30% -- 2% higher than he received with Thompson included in the ballot test. The only other candidate to make gains with the reallocation of Thompson supporters was Giuliani, who went from 15% with Thompson in to 18% with him out.

Interesting. Read the entire post. Helps McCain they say...Who would have thought..I think it is a little early to conclude any results.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Fred Thompson Drops Out - Thanks for nothing

As we say down south....BYE! He never wanted it to begin with. The B/S Draft Fred and he can win name recognition stuff stole support from the true conservative in the race. I hope the so called conservatives are happy with Mitt and John McAmnesty McCain. You get what you deserve. Support that "electability" and name recognition instead of a man with a 26 year solid record. Lesson learned.

I never understood the support for this man. He was a lazy ass senator with no record of achievement except carrying McCain's water. It must have been the Law and Order. Now the countdown begins.....

Abortion Victims Remembered

Thirty-five years ago today, seven of nine Supreme Court justices voted to make abortion a legal right in this country. In the landmark case of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court dramatically changed our nation, ushering in an era that disrespects human life and fails to acknowledge our responsibility to value and protect life from the moment of conception. Every year since the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict in Roe v. Wade, a courageous and dedicated group of individuals have traveled to Washington to remind us of this unfortunate decision. The March for Life brings together pro-life activists from across the country to commemorate the Court’s infamous ruling and to raise a voice on behalf of the unborn children who remain vulnerable and unprotected by our laws. This year’s 35th March for Life provides an opportunity for us to once again reflect on the harm caused by Roe v. Wade and the destructive policies it promotes. The numbers alone are shocking: over 1.3 million abortions are performed in the United States each year and over 50 million abortions have been performed in this country since 1973. The death of an entire generation of Americans is nothing short of a national tragedy. Together, with the March for Life and the many other groups that work to bring attention to this injustice, we must continue our efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Over the last decade, I have introduced legislation in Congress that would do exactly what the Supreme Court failed to do in the case of Roe v. Wade: recognize the personhood of the unborn. My bill, the Right to Life Act, makes clear that life begins at conception, that the unborn child is indeed a human being, and that he is therefore entitled to all the rights and protections afforded an American citizen. In the 110th Congress, the Right to Life Act has once again attracted strong support, with 100 Members of Congress signing on as co-sponsors. In addition to the growing support the Right to Life Act continues to receive, I am also encouraged by recent reports indicating that the number of abortions being performed in this country has dropped to the lowest level since 1976. This news means that more women are abstaining from risky behavior and even foregoing abortion in favor of motherhood or adoption. Thanks to the efforts of the pro-life advocates here in Washington today, more Americans are surely opening their hearts to the truth that human life has intrinsic value and dignity. Despite this welcoming news, Roe v. Wade continues to undermine our national commitment to protecting the life and liberty of the most vulnerable among us. For this reason, we must continue supporting legislation like the Right to Life Act and appoint judges who understand that respect for human life lies at the heart of our Constitution. Our next President will likely have an opportunity to make at least one nomination to our nation’s highest court. I hope that when he does, he will remember the millions of Americans that have participated in the March for Life since its inception, and the Constitutional rights afforded to every American, including the unborn.

Yes my friends....We let this man and our country down with our lack of support.

Kilo - MCMLXV to MMVIII and beyond....I Hope

Today is my Birthday. 43 years and at times I feel like I am running on empty. My life is still full and my days are busy. I have a wonderful home and a woman that raises and sets the sun for me. I am thankful. She is making me a cake today. I have two mothers, one I have known my whole life and another that I've known only a couple years. You can read this to learn more about that. I have a father that is a inspiration daily to me. I have a young lady who graduates from High School this year that inspires me more than she will ever know. Yes my friends, life is good.

The irony of my birthday sharing the same date as Roe vs Wade is fascinating to me. Again, reading the above link makes it clear. Millions of babies killed. I am pro life, but I do not believe legislation alone will fix this problem. We have to touch hearts. We have to change minds. We have to convince people to be responsible with their bodies.

My birthday wish is for you to read this story about Gianna Jessen. There are many more like her and their stories need to be heard. Read it...link it...show it to your friends. Change hearts. Fight for those without a voice. Pray that every child has the chance to dream like we do.

Funny, He Doesn't Look a Day Older Than Yesterday.

It is Kilo's birthday once again. This year we are celebrating in real style- no stack cakes - just a few bottles of his favorite wine and a huge fireplace and lots of time spent together.

The first forty years of life give us the text: the next thirty supply the commentary.- Arthur Schopenhauer

Don't expect a kiss and tell book to be out soon- we are planning a very long book filled with essays on living, loving and laughing and how to do it all with your mouth full. And speaking of having your mouth full, I just found this recipe and I know Carl will love it so maybe I will make one for him.(getting what I need tomorrow to make it) HT to our friend Flora for sharing this site.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Duncan Hunter Will Endorse? Romney aided Saddam?

You can bet it wont be Mitt Romney after watching this.

The Huck? McCain? No mention of Rudy, RuPaul or Fred. I think Duncan is like me. I believe a man can change his views, but actions are what we are looking for. Unlike Tancredo who endorsed Mitt right after his withdrawal, Duncan may hold out awhile. Can you blame him?

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Is Fred Thompson Next?

Ron Paul has beaten Thompson in 3 out of 6 states so far and only has one delegate less than him.

And he doesn’t pretend to be a serious candidate to win.

Meanwhile Thompson was ‘all in’ in Iowa, needing ‘at least a strong third’ to gain momentum. He didn’t get it. Rational onlookers saw his campaign was in dire trouble then.

He was ‘all in’ in South Carolina. His entire campaign was predicated on a win in South Carolina to launch it. As time went on his supporters saw that that wasn’t an option and tried to pretend that second or even a ‘strong third’ would suffice. It wouldn’t have but he didn’t achieve any of those things anyway.

A brokered convention is still more unlikely than likely. If it happens it will involve deals between candidates with large numbers of delegates. It won’t involve everyone suddenly opting for someone who has already been rejected nationwide by the voters.

If Thompson can’t win South Carolina, where can he win?

Meanwhile, if he does choose to limp on, it’s off to Florida and another scrap with Ron Paul for fifth. I don’t think Thompson got in the race to fight with Ron Paul for fifth places. I wouldn’t be amazed if he carried on nominally competing until Super Tuesday, but I think it more likely he’ll call it a day now.~by UKTory

Is Fred next? Watching his speech last night one has to say yes. My readers know that I am not a Fred fan, but I do feel for his supporters. My thoughts are the same as when Fred was first 'Drafted" He will hurt Duncan Hunter with his star power and name recognition, only to drop out and endorse John McCain. I think I got the first part right. Time will tell on the next two.

If Fred does drop out and endorse McCain, it will go down as one of the biggest disappointments in campaign history. The time and all that money wasted.....I can only dream about what Duncan Hunter would have done with that money and support. I hope I am wrong.

Where do we go now?

Cargo is supporting Fred Thompson as passionately as I have Duncan Hunter. Now that Duncan has dropped out and Fred failed to make a strong showing in South Carolina, I think he will soon follow. Fred laid it all on the table in SC (He campaigned his ass off) and you cant argue that he fell flat. There is nothing for Fred to look forward to in Florida - He is polling in single digits.

Where are conservatives like me and Cargo going to go? Mitt? McCain? The Huck? Do we make a stand and support Ron Paul? Has the GOP changed so much that the best they can offer us are the above three? Cargo writes that "The Reagan Revolution is dead. Long live the liberals. When you get a liberal president, don't blame the Fred Heads." Don't blame the Hunter supporters either. On my side bar is a link to contribute to Duncan through my personal fundraising account. I set a modest goal of $250. I had two people contribute for a total of $50. With all the conservatives in the state that speaks volumes. My friend Chris has his view on this here. I think they both are right. While conservatism may not be dead, its definition has damn sure changed. We cried for a conservative candidate and when we get one we slam the door in their face. We cried for a candidate that is not a flip flopper. yet a solid 26 year voting record went ignored. Yes my fellow GOP'ers...we will get just what we asked for come November.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Thank You Duncan Hunter

"It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or carve a statue, and so make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day- that is the highest of arts.” Henry David Thoreau

Thank you Mr. Hunter. You are an artist of true talent as you have been able to affect the view of all the other candidates. Strangely, they all sound more like you each day. God speed to you and please keep up the good fight, we can't afford to lose it.

Duncan Hunter tribute video

Duncan Hunter - "Today we end this campaign"

San Diego, Calif.

We started this campaign a year ago right here, in San Diego Harbor, against the backdrop of American Naval power. We launched a campaign emphasizing a strong national defense, enforceable borders and restoring the industrial base of America.

Today we end this campaign. The Nevada caucuses reflecting only 2% of the vote for me. I ran the campaign exactly the way I wanted to, and at this point not being able to gain traction in conservative states of Nevada and South Carolina, it's time to allow our volunteers and supporters to focus on the campaigns that remain viable.

It's time for me to gear up for 2008's defense bill that will be put together over the coming weeks. There is work to be done in the areas of troop protection and new capabilities to be deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And over the horizon, the emergence of Communist China as a military super power will require a new emphasis on U.S. capabilities in undersea warfare, space, and long range air-power.

The best way to maintain a new era of peace is for the U.S. to remain strong. Over the coming year I will endeavor to help craft a defense bill that meets the new security challenges.

Since our campaign began over 200,000 additional manufacturing jobs have been lost. 1.8 million jobs have left the U.S. for China. This fracturing of the U.S. industrial base is a long term threat to America. I hope that the remaining candidates will recognize it and address it. As the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, I will seek to address it.

Only hours ago a border patrolman was killed in the California Desert. This tragedy emphasizes more than ever the compelling case for the completion of the border fence. Since I wrote the bill that mandates 854 miles of double border fence only a few miles have been constructed. Over the next year in Congress I will do everything in my power to get that fence built.

Finally, for Lynn and me, the campaign over the last year has shown us this: America is a wonderful country. Our people have great character and goodness, and the meeting of new friends has enriched our lives.

The failure of our campaign to gain traction is mine and mine alone. But we have driven the issues of national security, the border fence, the emergence of China and the need to reverse bad trade policy. Because of that, this campaign has been very worthwhile, and for the Hunter family, a lot of fun.

To our friends and supporters and volunteers: many thanks. And now it's time for me to focus on developing a 2008 defense bill that serves our troops and our nation.

Thanks, and God Bless America.

Duncan Hunter

Today we lost the only true conservative candidate in the field. I am proud to have supported this great man and I have no regrets in doing so. I wish more conservatives would have stood up for Duncan, but that did not happen. As I have said before, the GOP will get the candidate they asked for. Great conservatives like Mitt, Rudy, and McCain. I'm sickened at the thought. Enjoy.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Calling The Salt Lick

I still get a few hits a day from The Salt Lick. for those who don't know or remember, TSL had this motto - Where Balanced Journalism Is Nourished and the Roanoke Times is Prey.

This was one of my favorite blogs back in the day and I miss it greatly. Jerry From on High has filled those shoes pretty well, but I miss Salt Lick. His final post is worth going over to read and yes...Be inspired!

Why Jim Gilmore Can Win and Mark Warner Supports Amnesty

Part Five in the series of Why Jim Gilmore Can Win is online at Spank That Donkey. A taste-

The wise leadership of Gov. Jim Gilmore sought to bring all Virginians together during times when some politicians & political activists only sought to move us apart along lines of race, creed, religion or heritage. My previous post highlighted Gov. Gilmore's historic, first in the nation, Declaration of a separate state holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Gilmore Speaks Out About Kaine's Gun Show Restrictions

Alexandria -- Expressing his grave concern with Governor Kaine's proposal to force private citizens to perform background checks when selling at gun shows, Governor Jim Gilmore sent a letter today to Speaker Bill Howell, at the Virginia House of Delegates. Text of letter follows:

I wish to express my serious concerns with Governor Kaine's proposal to force private individuals to perform background checks when selling at gun shows. This proposal would abridge the rights of private collectors while distorting the intent of the law. There is no "loophole" that applies to gun shows.Federal and state law applies to gun shows in exactly the same manner as anywhere else. The vast majority of sellers at gun shows are federally licensed dealers who are required under current law to perform instant background checks on their customers. The remainders are private sellers who are not required in any setting - gun show or otherwise - to submit to the same regulations that apply to licensed dealers. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that bringing the heavy hand of gun control down on private sellers (who are usually collectors who buy, sell or trade a very small quantity of guns) will do anything to reduce violent crime. A 2001 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) found that less than one percent of guns used in crimes have come from gun shows. Numerous other studies by the Department of Justice and academia have revealed similar findings. It is clear that subjecting private collectors to more gun control regulations would do nothing to reduce violent crime, while setting a dangerous precedent that all private firearms transactions would be subject to regulations that were intended to apply only to licensed dealers, not private individuals. Our attention would be better focused on enforcing current laws, and ensuring that law abiding citizens are not treated as criminals.

Field of Dreams Communities Endorses Jim Gilmore for Senate!

Prepared by Bill Collier, Information Director

Contact Bill via email for details: Upadaria@yahoo.com

After meeting with the Board of Directors for Field of Dreams Communities, Chairman and CEO John Graham announced today that Field of Dreams Communities is endorsing Republican Jim Gilmore in his bid for the US Senate seat in Virginia.

Graham, a 17 year veteran of professional baseball, notes that, “this is an extremely critical time when we have the likes of Harry Reid everyday trying to tie the hands of our troops in the field and Virginia’s other Senator, Jim Webb, who ran as a conservative Democrat, siding with the radical left in aiding Harry Reid’s efforts.”

The Board of Directors in its private meeting today noted that Gilmore’s rival, Mark Warner, is “essentially pulling a ‘Webb’, pretending to run center-right but, like Webb, if he gets to Washington he is likely to become a tool of Harry Reid.”

Many Democrats ran as conservatives in 2006 riding a wave of conservative backlash against the GOP, but when they got to Washington they more or less did as Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid told them to do.

Says Graham, “we will, as a community, do everything in our power to make people understand that a vote for Mark Warner is a vote for the likes of Jim Webb who lied about his conservative credentials and Harry Reid, the man who Jim Webb REALLY serves.”

Jim Gilmore has a lot to recommend him, from his staunch honesty to his proven conservativism (social, fiscal, and foreign policy) and deserves your support, according to John Graham.

In a statement, Graham said, ’the Field of Dreams Communities feels very strongly that a loss in Virginia will have terrible effects for our whole nation and urges all members of Field of Dreams Communities to send money and give whatever support they can to the Gilmore campaign.”

Another great endorsement for Gilmore. As I said - The momentum is growing!

Hayworth bucks the milquetoast trend of the GOP party-establishment to marginalize the immigration issue and tuck it out of the way of the current crop of amnesty candidates.

Instead, he's voting for the last remaining border security hawk in the race: Duncan Hunter.

Congressman Hayworth writes:

"To base a primary vote on 'electability' instead of ideas and principles seems to me a reduction of your rights via rationalization.

No one will ever completely agree with every position that a candidate takes…as Sharon put it, 'there is no perfect candidate,' but I believe my vote should go to the candidate who comes closest to espousing the philosophy I share.

That brings me back to Duncan Hunter.

No, he won't be on the stage tonight in the South Carolina GOP Debate, and his name appears nowhere near the top of the polls…but he supported tax cuts, did a masterful job as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and stands for 'enforcement first' on illegal immigration.

He's right on every issue we hold dear. If we're honest with ourselves, and if we think it's important to elect the right person this November, we need to ask ourselves and those around us: "Where do our core beliefs come from?"

The answer we come up with leads us to one candidate only. The complete conservative: Duncan Hunter.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

2009 Corvette ZR1

Jim Gilmore - A Biography

This video will give you some background on Jim Gilmore. His Political and Military experience is covered. Most interesting is the Gilmore Commission. The commission said the USA was vulnerable before 9/11, and the government enacted many of the commissions recommendations after the attack.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Morgan McClure Racing Closed

Sad. I wished they could have performed better. In reality, they did great - 14 wins, 63 top-five and 146 top-10 finishes along with 13 pole positions. They dominated the restricter plate races for a couple years. Drivers included Sterling Marlin, Ernie Irvan, and the late Bobby Hamilton.

ABINGDON, Va. — It’s been a long and often bumpy road for Southwest Virginia’s only NASCAR team during the past 25 years. At least for now, the engine has been silenced on the familiar No. 4 Chevrolet.

"It’s been a pretty emotional day, but we had to make a decision and draw the line," Morgan said in a telephone interview shortly after a 3 p.m. meeting at the race shop. "We’ve competed too long without sponsorship." Tricities.Com

“Republicans look forward to working with Governor Kaine to adopt revisions to the state budget for the current fiscal year and a new budget for the upcoming biennium. We will also work with the Governor to make investments in important state programs, like mental health care and higher education. However, we have serious concerns about how the Governor proposes to pay for many of his new initiatives.

“In the upcoming biennium the Governor has proposed hundreds of millions of dollars in new state spending for expansive pre-K programs and other initiatives in health care, mental health care, child services programs and higher education. While many of these are worthwhile programs that Republicans support, we cannot move forward with all of them at the same time unless we know we can pay for them responsibly.

“The Governor would pay for these new initiatives by raiding the state’s savings account, diverting money away from needed transportation projects, overly optimistic revenue projections and the excessive use of debt. That is a formula for disaster.

“We should not withdraw money from the state’s savings account to eliminate a budget shortfall while our economy is still growing. While it may be constitutionally permissible to do so, it does not represent sound policy. We should only withdraw money from our savings account to address serious financial challenges.

“Likewise, we should not use money that has been earmarked for transportation construction to fund other government programs. This violates a trust we have tried to establish with the people of Virginia. We should only use taxpayer funds for the purposes for which they were intended.

“In the 2010 fiscal year the Governor has projected economic growth of 6.6%. That’s twice as fast as our economy is currently growing. We should not base our budget on such an overly optimistic revenue forecast. While we hope that economic conditions improve and our economy will grow at a rate of 6.6% in the 2010 fiscal year, we cannot be certain of that.

“If the Governor’s revenue projections do not materialize we will be unable to afford the new programs he has proposed, and we will face massive budget shortfalls in the second year of the biennium. A wiser course is to wait and see how economic growth improves before embarking on so many costly new spending initiatives.

“The Governor’s budget includes $3.2 billion in new state debt. Once again, many of the Governor’s recommendations are for very worthwhile initiatives, such as needed capitol investments in our colleges and universities. However, if all of the Governor’s debt recommendations are approved they will cost the Commonwealth $300M a year in additional debt service by the year 2014. This is another significant financial commitment that must be taken into consideration when determining our overall spending priorities.

“Budgets are about priorities, and in challenging economic times we must determine what our most pressing needs are and focus our resources toward those needs; and we must make certain that our budget actions are cautious, prudent and reflective of the economic uncertainties we currently face.

“We cannot build our budget on a foundation that includes excessive spending and seeks to pay for it by raiding the state’s savings account, diverting money away from needed transportation projects, overly optimistic revenue projections and the excessive use of debt. That is a formula for disaster.”

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

State Corporation Commission- Wise Co Power Plant

Reports say that 150 people signed up to speak for and against the new plant. Some Highlights-

Democratic Sen. Phillip Puckett, whose district includes part of Wise County, called the plant an economic "win-win" for the county and the coal region.

"None of us ... intentionally want to pollute our land or cause problems for our people in the coal region," Puckett said.

The plant could create 800 jobs during the lengthy construction phase and could support more than 250 coal mining jobs once it goes on line in 2012, if approval is granted. The plant could also create about 75 jobs once it is operational.

"I think this is the perfect site," said Wise County Administrator Glen "Skip" Skinner. "We have the coal, we have the work force and we have a good company to work with to protect our environment and to contribute to our community."

Skinner has said officials are as concerned about the environment as anyone, but believe Dominion will keep its word to use technological advances to keep the plant clean.(LINK)

WISE — There’s been a lot of discussion about creating a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, and a proposed plant in the Virginia City area near St. Paul has been getting a lot of criticism. That has prompted County Administrator Glen “Skip” Skinner and the county Board of Supervisors to formally re-affirm local officials’ support of Dominion Virginia Power’s plans to build a plant in Wise County. “There’s no question about this board supporting the power plant,” Skinner said. “This is to encourage Dominion.”(LINK Subscription required)

The board of supervisors represent the citizens. They are definitely in touch with the majority of the people here and their support for the new plant. A plant that will meet or exceed every law and EPA guideline.

Jim Gilmore Discusses National Security On Fox News

This is one reason I am supporting Jim Gilmore. In my opinion his national security experience is far above the other candidates. Gilmore has a impressive military background in Army Intelligence.

Jim Gilmore volunteered for the U.S. Army and won honors after completing training at the Army Intelligence School and Defense Language Institute. He was then assigned to the 650th Military Intelligence Group. Serving in Germany during the Vietnam War and fluent in German, Jim Gilmore played an important role in counter-intelligence work safeguarding the security of American bases in Europe. He is the recipient of the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service to NATO.(LINK)

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Democrats - Reality Blind

This past Saturday at the Democratic Party Debate in New Hampshire every candidate showed they cannot face the reality that the surge is working. Everyone noticed. Editorial from the Washington Post.

AT SATURDAY'S New Hampshire debate, Democratic candidates were confronted with a question that they have been ducking for some time: Can they concede that the "surge" of U.S. troops in Iraq has worked? All of them vehemently opposed the troop increase when President Bush proposed it a year ago; both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama introduced legislation to reverse it. Now it's indisputable that the surge has drastically reduced violence. Attacks have fallen by more than 60 percent, al-Qaeda has been dealt a major blow, and the threat of sectarian civil war that seemed imminent a year ago has receded. The monthly total of U.S. fatalities in December was the second-lowest of the war. (LINK)

THERE'S A TRUTH THE Democratic presidential candidates can't handle: the success of the "surge" in Iraq. The addition of American troops and the adoption of a new strategy of protecting the civilian population has now dramatically reduced the level of violence in Baghdad and pacified other parts of Iraq as well. But the Democratic candidates insist on pretending otherwise.

It isn't clear whether they were uninformed, out of touch, mistaken, politically fearful, or knowingly dishonest when they were asked to comment on the surge during an ABC television debate Saturday night in New Hampshire. In any case, their refusal to acknowledge success in Iraq marked a low point in the Democratic campaign. (LINK)

They believe in global warming yet they cant see the reality in Iraq. It is disrespectful to our troops to say the least.